By SANDI GENOVESE

DIY Network

Everyone I know is trying to find enough time in the day to get everything done and still carve out a little time to express their creativity. Unfortunately, it's all about time. Whether you're a scrapbooker, card maker, quilter or painter; organization is key. With proper organization you can take advantage of even the smallest chunk of free time, making it possible to spend all of that time creating rather than gathering up supplies from around the house.

The thing is, organization can be so easy. There are lots of everyday products that can be transformed into storage containers for many of your craft supplies:

PAINT CANS are inexpensive and make great storage containers for everything from punches to binding rings. Recently paint cans have been turning up in craft and container stores with clear, acrylic bodies, making it easy to see what is stored inside without the need for labels.

PLASTIC PILL-STORAGE CONTAINERS are perfect for storing itty-bitty items like colored brads. Simply drill a tiny hole in the lid of each segment and attach a brad that signals what color or shape is inside.

GARAGE TOOL CHESTS are available in home-improvement stores and can be used to hold any number of small embellishments. I use mine to hold all different styles and colors of alphabet letters. And since the drawers are made of a clear plastic, it's easy to see what is inside.

BOOK SHELVES are convenient for storing full-sized paper sheets vertically, and I use hanging files to store paper scraps that are divided by color. It's easy to coordinate colored papers with matching colored files, which makes it easy to find smaller scraps at a moment's notice.

COSMETIC TRAVEL BAGS provide super-storage for smaller tools like scissors, tweezers, rulers, craft knives, adhesives and other often-used items like a camera and memory cards. Traditionally, they fold up when closed and have a loop at the top making it easy to hang on a wall or closet door when not in use.

BASKETS are easy to find at import stores and are great for holding stickers or other craft items that are frequently used.

PHOTO STORAGE is important. Exposure to sun or humidity can damage photos, so it's a good idea to store them in acid-free containers that are designed specifically for that purpose. If your photos are digital, you may also want to download them onto CDs and store them safely as well.

If you look around your house, you're likely to come up with lots of storage solutions for your craft supplies. Keeping them organized not only keeps your mind and desk clear for the creative process, but it also makes it easy to take advantage of any free time during the day or night to express your creativity.

(Sandi Genovese hosts "Scrapbooking" on the DIY — Do It Yourself Network. For more information visit www.diynet.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)

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